as in excellent
of the very best kind
a first-string rendition of the musical piece
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Recent Examples of first-string
While the Steelers gave Warren a modest contract extension just before the start of the season, there really is no definitive first-string running back, which is just the way offensive coordinator Arthur Smith likes it.
—
CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025
The Colorado product will be expected to improve after operating as the team's first-string quarterback with Gabriel remaining in the NFL's concussion protocol.
—Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 23 Nov. 2025
Tustin’s first-string defense was just as overwhelming, holding the Vanguards to negative-16 yards in the first half while the offense built a 48-0 lead.
—Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025
Most importantly, many defensive special-teams rushers are first-string players, whereas the blockers tend to be second- and third-string players.
—J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
On a rest day for Bo Nix and much of the Broncos’ first-string crew, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and a few key depth pieces, led the Broncos to a 27-7 beatdown of the Cardinals at Empower Field on Saturday night.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025
That is an obvious but nevertheless tempting play with Burrow and the first-string offense in action.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025
That has not kept Henderson from receiving snaps with Maye and the rest of the first-string offense, however.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 July 2025
Young guys typically have to earn their way to first-string snaps.
—Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025
The Colorado product will be expected to improve after operating as the team's first-string quarterback with Gabriel remaining in the NFL's concussion protocol.
—Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 23 Nov. 2025
Tustin’s first-string defense was just as overwhelming, holding the Vanguards to negative-16 yards in the first half while the offense built a 48-0 lead.
—Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025
Most importantly, many defensive special-teams rushers are first-string players, whereas the blockers tend to be second- and third-string players.
—J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
On a rest day for Bo Nix and much of the Broncos’ first-string crew, backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and a few key depth pieces, led the Broncos to a 27-7 beatdown of the Cardinals at Empower Field on Saturday night.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025
That is an obvious but nevertheless tempting play with Burrow and the first-string offense in action.
—Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025
That has not kept Henderson from receiving snaps with Maye and the rest of the first-string offense, however.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 July 2025
Young guys typically have to earn their way to first-string snaps.
—Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string
Adjective
-
Six solid to excellent major leaguers, two average ones and 11 busts.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Use Dryer Balls to Keep Sheets Separated Dryer balls are an excellent tool for combating tangled sheets.—
Anyssa Roberts,
The Spruce,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
They're arranged in haphazard rows, with Andrew Jackson occupying a prime front spot simply because the owner likes his hair.—
Danielle Paquette The Washington Post,
Arkansas Online,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Thaksin could be eligible for parole in May, his nephew is the party’s prime ministerial candidate.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Rose is a terrific story told with confidence and brisk pacing, but also a great vehicle for the astonishing Hüller.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Early in the second period, Franzreb made two terrific saves, the first one a glove stab on a Dylan Larkin shorthanded bid and the second on an Eichel breakaway, who had just stepped out the box.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The two supermassive black holes in the centers of each galaxy fall into orbit together and, like their stellar-mass cousins, can eventually spiral in and combine (though the details of this are a bit complex).—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Toyota's move to produce an electric midsize SUV is a risk the company can afford since it's bolstered by stellar sales numbers from its most popular models.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
There’s a tension, too, between the observant realism of Layton’s style and the derivativeness of the plotting, though the three leads, all superb, smooth it over with considerable skill.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Some offer sweeping waterfront views, others cozy corners made for lingering conversations, but all pair superb food with intimate ambiance.—
USA TODAY NETWORK,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Suites with interconnecting doors across the balcony are a great choice for larger families, and most regular activities include child-friendly options, like the beginner’s surfing classes in calmer waves or toddler bikes for cycling along the nature reserve.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Feb. 2026
-
There is a fantastic Lam retrospective at the Modern Museum of Art, but Scott had the idea months before and went to great lengths to convince Lam’s estate to collaborate.—
Rachel Tashjian,
CNN Money,
18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Thankfully, the wonderful leaders of our great state of Florida have corrected this problem.—
Krys Fluker,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Spring is a wonderful time of year to visit, before the crowds descend for the summer months.—
Irenie Forshaw,
TheWeek,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
And Ann Bridgman of Just the Thing Decorating in Southlake has seen pet owners consider just giving up on having a lovely home.—
Kelley Bruss,
Dallas Morning News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
My first night was in a Farmhouse Meadow Studio, with a vaulted ceiling, dormer, gas fireplace, and a huge sliding glass door opening onto a patio (which would’ve been lovely if the weather were warmer).—
Paul Brady,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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